Jeremy Cameron hints that Cats will play it safe with preliminary final selection, despite hopeful Hawkins
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Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron has hinted that the club will likely play it safe come selection for their preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday evening.
It comes as retiring superstar Tom Hawkins knocks on the door of selection, as he recovers from a foot injury suffer over 10 weeks ago.
But the Cats, who demolished Port Adelaide to the tune of 84 points in their qualifying final at Adelaide Oval, may find it hard to find a spot for their veteran forward.
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Hawkins hasn't played at AFL level since he suffered a foot injury in round 15 against Carlton.
He returned via the VFL, playing his first game at that level since 2011, where he kicked a goal and got through unscathed.
Tom Hawkins trained with the main group ahead of Geelong's preliminary final. Getty
A spot isn't readily available for Hawkins return, though, with young key forward Shannon Neale
Hawkins has been training and moving freely, but Cameron admits he has no idea how coach Chris Scott will move come selection time.
"Thankfully, I'm nowhere near selection," Cameron said on Monday.
Tom Hawkins of the Cats kicks a goal during the 2024 VFL First Semi Final. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"It is one of those things, that it's great to have a full team at this time of year. It's crucial to have a full list to pick from, but at the same time, it's a challenging time."
Midfielder Cam Guthrie, who has been battling injuries since the Cats 2022 premiership, also played in the VFL, with a slim chance to be considered for selection as well.
"Everyone has done a lot to get back in, not just Hawk and Guth," Cameron said.
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"He (Hawkins) could just sail off, as he has had an amazing career and it's so touch and go with the timing of how his foot is healing and the timing of getting back is such a tight window, but he has done everything he could possibly do … it's very (up)lifting to walk down to the gym and see that.
"It's a great to have a full team at this time of year. It's needed, it's crucial to have pretty much a full list of people to choose from, but at the same time, there's always stories (of disappointment) and it's a challenging time as well."
